Next new heli

So, I've been wanting to get another heli bigger than my 550.  I was going to get a Goblin 700, since it could use 2 of my batteries from the 550.  But, new regulations regarding large lipo batteries have made them subject to HAZMAT shipping fees!  Thus, any 6S lipos over 5000mah will have a minimum shipping cost of almost $30!!  Yuck!

Luckily, 6S 4400mah batteries are small enough to not be subject to these HAZMAT shipping fees.  This is the battery size needed for a 500 (1 battery) or 600 (2 batteries).  Now I'm thinking of getting a Goblin 630 instead of the 700.  The batteries will be cheaper and not subject to $30 shipping fees!  For now anyway.  The Goblin 630 is also a little bigger than a normal 600 heli, so that's a bit closer to a 700 at least.

I want to set it up with a Mikado VBar, Castle Talon 120HV, Scorpion brushless motor,  and BK Servos.

Update 4/22/15

I just checked Amain and you can ship large batteries via ground shipment and are no longer subject to HAZMAT fees! :). Maybe the laws changed?  Air shipments still require the HAZMAT fees though. 

All this means is that a 700 class heli is a possibility again!

Booya!

I picked up some RC Booya quick release canopy mounts to replace the Lynx canopy mounts I had been using. The Lynx mounts worked well, but hurt my fingers after screwing them on and off for a few flights. I started using a hex wrench with them, but that defeated the purpose of a quick release canopy mount. 

AMain hobbies started carrying RC Booya quick release canopy mounts recently, which I saw other guys at the field using. Before they were only available from smaller heli specific hobby shops, which is why I haven't gotten around to getting some. But I order parts from Amain all the time, so I was finally able to pick a set up :)

They install like any other canopy mount, but I needed to enlarge the grommet mounting hole to 0.343 in, so that the larger quick release pin grommet would fit in the canopy. 

I like how much easier and faster it is to mount the canopy!  I can't wait to try them out at the field. 

Labor Day Flying!

Since I had the day off from work for Labor Day, I headed out to the field to get some flying in with my Trex 550. I also wanted to test out charging my 6s 5000 batteries on my iCharger 4010 Duo when it was powered by a 12V marine battery. 

I also pulled off some new tricks for me!  I've been doing them in the sim for awhile now but never performed them with the 550. I pulled off a tail slide, but the exit wasn't very smooth.  I also did a few half Cuban 8's, but the heli lost some altitude during the roll, since I didn't transition to positive collective smoothly.  At least I did these maneuvers with my real heli instead of the sim. 

I remembered to bring my quick shade this time!

iCharger powered by my battery. 

Charging 2 6s 5000 packs at 10A on each channel, pulling 47A from the battery!  I wonder if the battery can support a 3C charge rate of 15A?